A Review of the Carolina Hurricanes First Round Draft Picks Part III: 2018-2023

2018: Andrei Svecnikov (W) 2nd Overall 406 GP 131 G 185 368 PIM

The Hurricanes had some lottery luck and were able to move up from their original position to second overall.  The Hurricanes only had a 3.3% chance to jump up in the lottery so they had luck on their side.  With the second pick, the Hurricanes selected Russian winger Andrei Svechnikov.  Svechnikov was the consensus number-ranked forward throughout the draft process and has been able to translate his game effectively at the NHL level.  He came into the league known as a sniper with a lethal shot, but Svechnikov has developed a true 200-foo game within Rod Brind’Amour’s system. Svech is one of the more important players on the team and as long as he can stay healthy, I believe that Svechnikov will be a consistent 35-40 goal scorer throughout his NHL career.  Svech is in the long haul with the ‘Canes, with 5 more years left on the 8-year deal he accepted back in 2021.  While Svechnikov has struggled with penalties, particularly stick infractions, he is shaping up to be the right pick.  With that being said, there are other impact players chosen after including Brady Tkachuk (4th Overall), Quinn Hughes (7th Overall), and Evan Bouchard (10th Overall).  While the Hurricanes are ecstatic with their pick, the ‘Canes would have loved any of those 3 players as well.

Note: The Hurricanes have had 4 total first-round picks from this draft in their system at various times. Along with Svechnikov, the ‘Canes also currently have Jesperi Kotkaniemi (3rd Overall) and Ty Smith (17th Overall), as well as formerly Dominik Bokk (22nd Overall)